Game version
Let the child be the coach for a turn: show the grown-up how to do “Stop It with the Stick”, then swap.
Stop It with the Stick
A grown-up rolls a soft ball slowly and the child stops it with the flat side of the stick. Receiving the ball, the first step.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand 3 big steps from your child.
- Ages
- 4 to 6
- Time
- 3 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Short stick, soft ball
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Receiving
The steps
How it works
- Stand 3 big steps from your child.
- Roll the ball slowly along the ground to them.
- They put the stick down flat in front of the ball to stop it.
- They push it back. Do about 10.
Coaching point
Praise the try: “Stopped! Great stick on the ground.”
Safety: The tool stays low, and everyone else stands back, clear of the swing. A soft ball only, rolled slowly.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Story
You are a superhero in training, and “Stop It with the Stick” is today’s mission.
Practice makes progress
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